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What is animal science?

Animal science is the study of domestic animals including livestock species (beef, dairy cattle, goats, horses, poultry, sheep and swine) and companion animals. You will learn about their nutrition, genetics, reproduction, behavior and health.

Why animal science at OSU?

Animal science is a versatile major. You will study concepts from production to processing, and learn about the value associated with livestock and domestic animals. Whether you plan to attend veterinary school, run a ranch, work for an animal health company, work in communications or anything in between, there is an option that will fit your interests.

Career paths

Animal science graduates are presented with knowledge in a broad variety of fields from the conception of animals to the consumption and use of products provided by those animals. Graduates are exposed to topics from physiology, nutrition and genetics to animal business, meats and production systems. You can look forward to a career in one of the following fields:

$400KIN SCHOLARSHIPS TO UNDERGRAD STUDENTS

annually awarded by the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences

Highlights

Hands-on learning

You can receive valuable, hands-on experience at 15 farms and research facilities encompassing 13,000 acres.

 

Fast fact

The department sponsors five judging teams: dairy cattle, horse, livestock, meat and meat animal evaluation. The teams have a combined total of more than 40 national championships – more than any other university in the country. 

 OSU Animal Science Labs

Pre-Professional Options

Students interested in Pre-Veterinary Medicine have an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in upper level animal science courses, while completing all pre-requisites for veterinary school. The Pre-Veterinary Animal Science option allows students to complete the 3+1 program, using the first year of veterinary school for the final year of their bachelor’s degree.  

 

Students interested in medical, dental, or other health fields can major in Animal Science with an option in Pre-Med or Biotechnology. These students will complete required prerequisites for the professional school of their choice while completing a B.S. in Animal Science. This option allows students to take core animal science classes and species production classes of their choice to enhance their knowledge and understanding of animal agriculture.

 

Undergraduate research opportunities

The department’s Undergraduate Research Scholars Program provides you with valuable hands-on experience working on cutting-edge research projects side-by-side with faculty, graduate students, research technicians and research unit managers. The program builds a solid foundation in research methods to better prepare you for industry and academic careers in animal or food sciences.

 

Explore related programs

Agriculture & Animal Science majors 

Pre-Law, Pre-Med, Pre-Vet majors

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